This week my aunt Diana Rudloe died at 68, with her family at her side.  She was my only aunt, and a hero to all who knew her.  A single mother of two wonderful children, Diana was also an acclaimed leader in the Portland Public Schools.  She worked with some of Maine’s most vulnerable, and prepared them to contribute successfully to Maine’s families and communities.

 

We were blessed by her time with us, and our family is grateful for the warmth and condolences of all who knew Diana.

 

Strong families make strong communities – and vice-versa.  I am reminded of this by the amazing effort underway to build a home for the Bouchard girls in Bowdoin (learn more by clicking on their website image to the right).  I am reminded of this every time I enter the Bowdoinham Community School, a building constructed with funds raised in part through barbecued chicken sales from Merrymeeting Farm, the business belonging to Diana’s parents.  I am reminded of this daily as I go door to door in Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond.

 

In our world there are those who fish alone, those who share the bounty, and those who teach others how to fish.  Diana taught others.  In doing so, she helped us all.

 

As representative, my goal will be to make the right choices for Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond’s families and communities.  I intend to protect consumers, workers and families.  I intend to ensure equal rights and treatment under law.  I intend to see that every citizen and future citizen – every link in the chain – has the opportunity to be a healthy, productive, and contributing member of the world in which we live, and to which we entrust our proudest legacies.

 

Yours for tomorrow,

 

Seth